Kazakhstan will create a specialized laboratory under the National Geological Service to combat the illicit export of rare earth metals (REMs), Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Iran Sharhan revealed during a briefing in Almaty on 17 September.
Cracking Down on Illegal Exports
The lab, which will seek international accreditation, is designed to detect and block unauthorised shipments of REMs disguised as other raw materials or concentrates. Sharhan emphasised the urgency of the measure, stating, “This allows us to identify accompanying elements in raw materials, including rare earth metals. The lab will help intercept illegal exports.”
The announcement follows allegations by Azat Peruashev, a parliament member from the Ak Zhol party, who warned that precious and rare earth metals are being smuggled out of Kazakhstan under false labeling. He criticised the current system, where private labs contracted by mining firms handle export certifications, calling for independent, state-controlled oversight.
Political and Industry Backing
The Ak Zhol party has pushed for mandatory third-party chemical analysis of exported ores and concentrates, alongside potential state-run labs under government agencies.
The National Geological Service, Kazakhstan’s primary body for geological data management, will house the new facility. The move aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal at the Central Asia-EU Summit in Samarkand to establish a Regional Research Center for REMs in Astana.
Recent Discoveries and Global Demand
The decision comes as Kazakhstan reports new REM deposits in the Karaganda region. With global demand for rare earth metals surging—driven by renewable energy and tech sectors—the lab aims to ensure transparency and compliance in Kazakhstan’s mineral trade.
“This is a critical step to protect our resources and integrate with international standards,” Sharhan concluded.
